The Bella Coola Watershed Conservation Society has provided new signage for local creeks and the Bella Coola River to raise awareness of fish habitat and highlight traditional Nuxalk names .
Signs have been installed at Snooka Creek (Snuquaax), Skimlik Creek (Askimlikw), Nooklikonnic Creek (Nooklikonnic’), the Bella Coola River (Nuxalk), the Sallooomt Bailey Bridge and the Highway 20 Bridge at Noosgulch.
In 2012 similar signs were installed at Tatsquan Creek (Stastsxan), Sallooomt River (Salmt), Nusatsum River (Nusats’m), Snootli Creek (Snut’li) and Thorsen creek (Squmalh).
These creeks and the Bella Coola River have been impacted by human activity over the years, nevertheless, enough habitat remains to support salmon and trout populations, which in turn, support many other species.
Nuxalk names are highlighted to remind us that fish have been returning to creeks and rivers throughout the Bella Coola/Atnarko watershed for millennia. This was accomplished through respect for the environment and patient, careful stewardship.
The Bella Coola Watershed Conservation Society would like to thank Interior Roads for installing the signs and Clyde Tallio for providing translation to Nuxalk traditional names. The ministry of Transportation, Highways and Infrastructure, the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Central Coast Regional District provided financial support – thank you .
The Bella Coola Watershed Conservation Society ( www.bellacoolawatershed.com ) is a non-profit organization devoted to the stewardship, restoration and enhancement of fish and fish habitat within the watersheds of the Central Coast. We work with First Nations, industry, local, provincial and federal governments and other non- government organizations. For more information visit our website or contact us at 250-982-2306.